# Astra 2D

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q446727](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q446727)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_2D)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astra-2d

## Summary
Astra 2D is a communications satellite operated by SES Astra that was launched into geostationary orbit on December 20, 2000. It is an artificial satellite designed specifically for telecommunications and was deployed using the European Ariane 5G launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Communications satellite
- **Operator:** SES Astra
- **Launch Date:** December 20, 2000
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5G
- **Launch Site:** ELA-3
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 26638
- **COSPAR ID:** 2000-081A
- **Freebase ID:** /m/06y7j_
- **Wolfram Language Code:** Entity["Satellite", "26638"]

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Astra 2D?
A: Astra 2D is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications. It functions as an artificial satellite in geostationary orbit to facilitate data and signal transmission.

### Q: When and how was Astra 2D launched?
A: Astra 2D was launched on December 20, 2000, from the ELA-3 launch site. It was carried into space by an Ariane 5G, which is a European launch vehicle.

### Q: Who is responsible for operating Astra 2D?
A: The satellite is operated by SES Astra, a major provider in the telecommunications industry.

## Why It Matters
Astra 2D serves as a critical component of telecommunications infrastructure, specifically within the geostationary orbit. As a communications satellite, it is part of a class of artificial satellites designed to bridge distances by transmitting signals across the globe. Its successful deployment on December 20, 2000, represented a significant event for the Ariane 5G launch vehicle program, demonstrating the capability of European launch systems to place heavy telecommunications payloads into precise orbits. 

By maintaining a geostationary position, Astra 2D remains at a fixed point relative to the Earth's surface, which is a fundamental requirement for consistent satellite broadcasting and data services. The satellite is integrated into the broader SES Astra fleet, contributing to the network of orbital assets that support modern digital connectivity. Its presence in international tracking databases under identifiers like SCN 26638 and COSPAR ID 2000-081A ensures it can be monitored and coordinated within the global orbital environment. For the telecommunications industry, Astra 2D represents a reliable instance of space-based technology that facilitates the flow of information across its service regions.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle:** Utilized the Ariane 5G, a specific class of European launch vehicle.
- **Orbital Stability:** Operates within a geostationary orbit, a key requirement for fixed telecommunications.
- **Longevity:** Has been part of the SES Astra fleet since its launch in late 2000.
- **International Recognition:** Documented across multiple languages including English, German, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Swedish.

## Body

### Launch and Mission History
Astra 2D was successfully launched on December 20, 2000. The launch took place at the ELA-3 site, a facility used for significant rocket launches. The mission utilized the Ariane 5G launch vehicle, which is a European-designed rocket system intended for transporting satellites into orbit.

### Technical Classification
As a communications satellite, Astra 2D is classified as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. It is an "instance of" this class, meaning it shares the functional characteristics of other satellites in the same category. It is positioned in geostationary orbit, which allows it to remain stationary over a specific point on the Earth's equator.

### Identification and Tracking
The satellite is tracked and identified through several international systems:
- **SCN:** 26638
- **COSPAR ID:** 2000-081A
- **Freebase ID:** /m/06y7j_
- **Wolfram Language Entity:** Entity["Satellite", "26638"]

### Ownership and Operation
The satellite is owned and managed by the operator SES Astra. It is part of a larger constellation of satellites that provide telecommunications services. The satellite's data is maintained across various knowledge bases, including five different language versions of Wikipedia.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013